⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5)

The founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Chris’ Brolga’ Barns, came to prominence when Roger, one of his resident kangaroos, became a viral phenomenon. This led to the Australian kangaroo carer’s story becoming the inspiration behind the latest cinematic release, Kangaroo. 

The outback tale begins in Sydney, where Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr) works to make a name for himself as a local weatherman. Until a beach mishap turns him into a media pariah, and the only place he can get work is in Western Australia. As he drives across the country to his new future, Chris hits a kangaroo on the road and manages to save the joey in the mother’s pouch. This simple, merciful act leads to a new chapter in the weatherman’s life as he gets help from the local community and a young girl named Charlie (Lily Whiteley).

Director Kate Woods (The Umbrella Academy, The Lincoln Lawyer) delivers a movie that will transcend the shores of Australia as it taps into the heart of the Australian outback and family. Ryan Corr convincingly transforms from the arrogant media darling to a kangaroo conservationist in a convincing manner and carries the story through to the heartfelt conclusion. Yet, it’s Lily Whiteley’s performance and the fantastic supporting cast that give this kangaroo tale the depth and colour to make it into one of the most endearing films in recent memory. When a production brings in cinematic legends like Rachel House, Deborah Mailman, Rick Donald, and Wayne Blair to deliver an Australian movie that will make audiences yearn for a trip to Australia’s red centre. 

Beyond the beauty of the landscape and the adorable joeys, this screenplay has a familial heart that should draw families to the cinema. As Charlie’s story addresses loss and grief, she begins to see the value of family, community and friendship. All the while, Chris must come to terms with how fame can be fleeting while the road to redemption may be found outside of the limelight of the internet. Suppose families can embrace the fantastical nature of the storyline and enjoy the heartwarming elements of these outback residents. In that case, this is the movie parents have been looking for all year. 

Kangaroo will steal your hearts, deliver the laughs and tears you expect from a comedic, family adventure, while drawing you to the red earth of the outback. As it is based on a real story, every family should get their mob together and head to the cinema for this wonderful Australian journey.

What Should Parents Know About Kangaroo? 

This outback adventure has all of the magic and wonder of classics like Red Dog. The Australian landscape, fauna and community will entertain and captivate all ages. The real facts of life are addressed in a manner that will lead parents to conversations about life, death, grief, friendship and suffering. There is little to warn parents about with Kangaroo, except for the harsh realities that come into everyone’s world, and how running away from them is never the answer. 

Topics For Parents to Consider From Kangaroo:

Grief: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 

Redemption: …hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. – Psalm 130:7 

Conservation: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” – Genesis 1:26

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Let’s talk about magnesium. This is a mineral that frequently finds its way into my prescriptions for people dealing with chronic pain and fatigue.

So why is this essential mineral high on my list of priorities? Let’s break it down.

The Role of Magnesium in Your Body
Magnesium is a vital mineral found in a variety of plant-based foods. It plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, supporting:

• Energy production
• Muscle and nerve function
• Neurotransmitter pathways
• Protein synthesis
• Blood sugar regulation
• Heart health and blood pressure regulation
• Mood and stress response
• Sleep quality
• Bone health
• Immune system function
• DNA repair and synthesis
• Digestion

Unlike some other minerals, magnesium isn’t stored in the body, meaning you need a consistent supply from your diet. Stress increases your body’s need for magnesium because you use it up more quickly and excrete it faster.

Magnesium for Chronic Pain and Fatigue

1. Pain Reduction
   Magnesium blocks substance P, a hormone that amplifies pain perception. It also acts on NMDA receptors in the brain to reduce central sensitization, a key factor in conditions like fibromyalgia. Additionally, magnesium supports GABA production, a neurotransmitter that is involved in pain regulation.
2. Muscle Relaxation and Sleep Quality
   Many people with chronic pain also struggle with muscle tension, cramping, and poor sleep. Magnesium acts as a natural muscle relaxant and has been shown to improve sleep quality, which in turn supports better pain management and lower fatigue levels.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
   Studies suggest that magnesium supplementation can lower inflammatory markers.
   People with low magnesium levels often show increased inflammation, which can worsen chronic pain.
4. Energy Support
   Magnesium plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function, where energy is produced. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing crashes that can contribute to fatigue.
5. Mood and Cognitive Function
   Many individuals with chronic conditions experience stress, anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Magnesium supports mental well-being by balancing neurotransmitters and promoting a more stable mood.

Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

• Anxiety and low mood
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps, twitches, or weakness
• Heart palpitations
• High or low blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Persistent low Vitamin D levels despite supplementation

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Including these foods in your diet can help maintain healthy magnesium levels:

• Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, Brazil nuts
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale
• Legumes: Black beans, edamame, kidney beans
• Proteins: Salmon, tofu
• Other sources: Avocado, bananas, figs, dark chocolate (85% or higher), amaranth

Choosing the Right Magnesium Supplement

Many of my clients have already tried magnesium supplements before coming to me, unsure if they worked. The truth is not all magnesium supplements are created equal and choosing the right form is essential.

Best Forms for Pain and Fatigue

• Magnesium glycinate – Great for relaxation, anxiety, and muscle pain
• Magnesium malate – Helpful for fibromyalgia and energy production
• Magnesium citrate – Ideal for those with constipation or high acidity
• Magnesium threonate – Best for brain fog, neurological symptoms, and sleep

Often a combination of several forms might by used to improve bioavailability and increase effectiveness.

Dosage & Quality Matter

The right dosage depends on deficiency symptoms, medications, stress levels, and diet. It’s also important to consider cofactors—other nutrients that help magnesium work effectively in the body.

Tip: Keep a pain and symptom diary to track improvements. When you’re in constant pain, it’s easy to overlook subtle changes.

Magnesium is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While magnesium can be a game-changer for some, chronic pain and fatigue require a holistic approach. It’s best to consult a practitioner to ensure you’re getting the right supplements for your unique needs.

Article supplied with thanks to Kelli Kieselbach.

About the Author: Kelli Kieselbach is a Naturopath and Nutritionist with a passion for a holistic and natural approach to health and wellbeing. Kelli has a special interest in chronic fatigue and chronic pain disorders, and also works to educate Christian ministry leaders in self care and avoiding burnout.

Feature image: Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash

The habit of prioritising others’ needs over your own is often misunderstood as purely negative — as if it only means saying yes too often or avoiding disagreement at all costs.

In reality, this behaviour can also reflect a natural expression of agreeableness, one of the Big Five personality traits extensively studied in psychology.

Agreeableness includes qualities such as kindness, empathy, cooperativeness, and a strong motivation to maintain harmony in relationships. Individuals with high levels of this trait tend to be warm, compassionate, and willing to support others, which can lead to actions aimed at making others feel comfortable and valued. In this way, such tendencies embody positive social values like trust, cooperation, and altruism.

When People Pleasing Goes Beyond Its Positive Intentions

While agreeableness encourages prosocial behaviour and smooth social interactions, it can sometimes become burdensome. This occurs when the desire to accommodate others or avoid conflict outweighs one’s personal needs and boundaries. Over time, this imbalance may cause stress, exhaustion, or feelings of resentment.

Research in personality psychology shows that traits such as agreeableness influence the automatic ways we respond to others. Those with higher levels of this trait often react swiftly and naturally with cooperation and compromise, sometimes before fully considering their own stance. Though beneficial in many situations, this tendency can make it difficult to pause and assert one’s limits when necessary.

Building Awareness and New Responses to People Pleasing

Developing greater self-awareness is the first step in managing these patterns—paying attention not only to what you agree to, but understanding the reasons behind your choices. It’s important to distinguish between genuine kindness and actions driven by fears like rejection or conflict avoidance.

Recognising this difference creates space to respond differently. You might practise setting gentle but firm boundaries, clearly expressing your needs, or taking time to consider decisions rather than reacting immediately. With patience and practice, it becomes possible to balance the strengths of agreeableness—such as empathy and warmth—with greater self-respect and resilience, fostering more authentic and sustainable relationships.

Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.

Feature image: Canva